Broken Boulder used to know

Alarian watched Ulf carefully, inching closer still; he stopped at his words. Suddenly his throat felt thick, hearing what had happened. He was relieved that his friend hadn't been physically hurt, but—
He knew how words could hurt, too.
The boy considered it could have been Korei, as oblivious and tactless as she was— likely not Liri, he thought. He regarded Ulf with soft eyes for several beats. Oh, Ulf— I think you're blind in one eye, Alarian told him gently, drawing nearer and pressing his muzzle to the wolfdog's neck if he was allowed. He continued more softly, It looks a little different, but— your eyes are beautiful, and so are you.
For once, he felt no embarrassment as the words slipped from him. Assuming Ulf had not pulled away from his touch, he trailed his nose through the plush of his friend's fur up to his cheek, then broke the contact. Alarian drew back just far enough to meet the other male's gaze. He hadn't been lying; his friend was beautiful.